Participation rules released for September 7th GOP debate

The eligibility rules for any candidate wishing to participate in the September 7th Republican debate from the Reagan Library have been released by the debate organizers. This debate is sponsored by NBC News, Politico and the Reagan Library Foundation.

The purpose of these eligibility standards is to give Americans watching the NBC News/POLITICO/Reagan Foundation debate an opportunity to hear all Republicans who have a reasonable prospect of becoming the GOP nominee and who have demonstrated that they are in a credible position to be a principal competitor in the early stages of the nominating contest.

1. A candidate must have formally announced his/her intention to seek the Presidency.

AND

2. A candidate must demonstrate that he/she has registered at least four percent (4%) support as the preferred nominee among Republicans in a methodologically sound and recognized national poll conducted by one of the following survey organizations since the November 2010 elections: Gallup, Bloomberg, NBC/WSJ, ABC/Washington Post, CBS/The New York Times, CNN, FOX and Associated Press.

The 4% number is substantially tighter than the 1% number set forth in previous debates sponsored by Fox News and CNN. Clearly NBC and Politico are looking to have slightly smaller stage and perhaps a more pointed debate giving each of the qualifying candidates more air time.

No word on an official list of who will participate though you can expect to hopefully see Rick Perry debut on the debate stage along with Mitt Romney, Michele Bachmann, Ron Paul and a few more depending on how the polls continue to shake out. Notably absent will be Tim Pawlenty since he dropped out following the Ames Straw Poll.

Nate Ashworth is the Founder and Editor-In-Chief of Election Central. He's been blogging elections and politics for almost a decade. He started covering the 2008 Presidential Election which turned into a full-time political blog in 2012 and 2016.

13 COMMENTS

It’s a shame that Buddt Roemer may be left out. He clearly has the best message and truly speaks for the American People. His $100 donation limit and Free to Lead stance are something that only a true American supported by the people, not fat cats can run on. It would be a shame to see this American Hero pushed aside for big money and the status quo.

Buddy Roemer is the ONLY candidate who is speaking to the trade issue — It’s our suicidal trade policy, stupid! that is respoonsible for today’s financial/economic mess.

Go to his website, click on link to his speech at Dartmouth couple weeks ago and listen! I dare you to listen and not be impressed and convinced–this candidate is exactly what America needs.

He’s Ross Perot with a Harvard MBA, a banker who tells it like it is about the banking industry today, served as “reform” governor of Louisiana, and he’s served four terms in Congress.

We have to flood the internet with his name so that he does meet that 4% popularity requirement for inclusion in Republican debates (unless of course it’s rigged and they’ll change the goal posts if he does reach 4%).

Ask yourself — how come neither party, no candidate, host, or set of hosts at ANY debate during 2008 EVER asked a question about trade, trade and china, and why U.S. has to play by rules other countries do not.

Some comedian called Ron Paul the 13th floor of political candidates because of the way the media ignored his near-win in Iowa and crowned just three as top tier.

Trade–and the buying of Congress by the multinationals that has led to our suicidal trade agreements–is the 13th floor of political issues. Totally, deliberately ignored by both parties and the media.

No way we need Roemer more than Ron Paul. He is Thomas Jefferson with a M.D. and 24 years in Congress as an economic expert. Do not listen to pundit’s “opinions”. Listen to tapes of Ron’s speeches to Congress and news interviews, even going back to 2008. Get on a winning team!

President Obama has requested a joint session of Congress Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. ET to deliver a speech on jobs and the deficit, White House spokesman Dan Pfeiffer announced Tuesday via Twitter. A GOP presidential debate hosted by NBC and Politico is also scheduled that night.

Why agree to go on NBC/MSNBC?
To reach the indies and moderates, and include those that don’t have cable or satellite. Your note implies that the network is responsible for the content of the debate, which shows that you don’t watch debates, don’t research or don’t care about facts, just being the pot that called the kettle black. I think even thinking conservatives would agree that there is little difference between FoxNews and NBC/MSNBC in each’s approach to slanting the news. Fortunately, there are still conservatives, liberals and independents that listen to as many POVs as they can find insrtead of march lock-step with a political party’s mouthpiece.

I want to run for President just to particpate in the debates with the candidates. I have got homework to do on issue facts and figures but I know where I stand on the issues. I will be mailing my paperwork declaring my candidacy for President 2012 this week. How do I participate int he debates with the candidates? My phone is 347 742 6061. Susan Wilshsuen

I want to run for President just to particpate in the debates with the candidates. I have got homework to do on issues but I know where I stand on the issues. I will be mailing my paperwork declaring my candidacy for President 2012 this week. How do I participate in the debates with the candidates? My phone is 347 742 6061. Susan Wilshusen